DR. Christopher Koebbe
Dr. Christopher Koebbe was born in Delaware, OH and graduated with honors from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH. He completed the Air Force ROTC program as a distinguished graduate and received his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati. He then pursued neurosurgical residency training at the University of Pittsburgh medical center and ultimately completed this training, as well as a postgraduate fellowship in cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgery, at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He completed over 500 vascular neurosurgical procedures under the guidance of Dr. Robert Rosenwasser during this training. Dr. Koebbe then served as an active duty neurosurgeon in the US Air Force in San Antonio, TX from 2007-2015, completing his service as Chief of Neurosurgery at the San Antonio Military Medical Center; the largest worldwide referral center for military members and only DOD civilian level-1 trauma center.
During his military service, Dr. Koebbe deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Bagram Airbase, Afghanistan as Chief of Neurosurgery at the theater hospital. He concurrently worked as a Clinical Assistant Professor with the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He played a vital role in developing comprehensive stroke and aneurysm care for the south Texas region, as well as teaching neurosurgical residents and speaking internationally as an invited professor.
Dr. Koebbe is certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgeons and is a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Dr. Koebbe specializes in both cranial and minimally invasive vascular and spinal neurosurgery procedures, emphasizing the comprehensive care of brain aneurysms, stroke, tumors, spinal disorders and chronic pain.
His focus is minimally invasive brain and spinal motion preservation procedures using the newest effective technologies and approaches. He is also one of the forerunners in his field performing cervical disc replacement and one of the only surgeons in Florida to offer hybrid anterior cervical surgeries.
Dr. Asif Shafiq
Dr. Shafiq is a skilled and compassionate surgeon, trained at a high-volume program centered at a Level-1 trauma center, carrying robust and broad surgical experience. He is passionate about treating general neurosurgical and adult spinal conditions using a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that combines surgical and conservative modalities.
Dr. Shafiq is committed to exceptional patient care using a collaborative approach in the operating room and during pre- and post-operative care. He believes communicating effectively with healthcare providers, patients and caregivers is critical in optimizing patient outcomes.
In 2010, Dr. Shafiq obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from the University of South Florida. Four years later, he graduated from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, FL. He trained in endoscopic skull base neurosurgery during his fellowship at Weill Cornell College of Medicine in 2018 and was Chief Resident during his neurosurgery residency at RutgersNJMS. After seven years of neurosurgery training, he graduated from the neurosurgery residency at RutgersNJMS in 2021.
Dr. MARC GOLDMAN
Dr. Marc Goldman joined Premier NeuroSpine Institute with 12 years of experience from a large trauma center in Tacoma, Washington. He built a comprehensive regional brain and skull base tumor program and has expertise in endoscopic pituitary surgery, open and minimally invasive skull base surgery, and microsurgery for primary and metastatic brain tumors, with over 1000 stereotactic radiosurgery cases. He specializes in spinal surgery for degenerative, traumatic, and oncologic conditions of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. His training includes a residency at Brown University and a neurosurgical oncology fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Dr. Goldman primarily serves the Saint Petersburg community and is the neurosurgical trauma liaison and lead neurosurgeon at Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital.
Mollie Crews, MSN, FNP, APRN-C
Mollie Crews, MSN, FNP, APRN-C was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. She graduated undergrad from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She is a huge UCF football fan! While obtaining her Bachelor’s degree, Mollie was a representative for nurses in the Student Senate and a participant in Knighthon, an organization that raises money for the Children’s Miracle Network. Directly after finishing her Bachelor’s degree, Mollie began working as a Registered Nurse in high-risk obstetrics in the second-largest labor and delivery unit in the country. She also worked in plastic surgery and as a travel nurse over the span of six years.
Mollie then moved to Tampa, Florida and began working on a Masters of Science in Nursing at the University of South Florida. During her postgraduate studies, Mollie explored many specialties but took a special interest in orthopedics and neurosurgery. Mollie sees many of our clinic patients and manages our postoperative patients, as well. She has a passion for providing minimally invasive long-term solutions for our patients, including those with traumatic brain injuries. She also helps assist in surgeries. She enjoys offering minimally invasive spine and brain procedures to help treat a multitude of neurosurgical conditions.
GIANNA KONDZIELAWA, PA-C
Gianna Kondzielawa, MPAS, PA-C was born in Upstate, NY. She graduated from Utica University with a Bachelors of Science in Neuroscience. While obtaining her bachelors degree, Gianna concurrently helped build a neurosurgical practice in Upstate, NY. Directly after finishing her Bachelors degree, Gianna attended Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston, MA where she received her Masters degree in Physician Assistant Studies. While working on her Masters degree, Gianna volunteered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to adovcate for mental health and normalizing difficult conversations about suicide. During her clinical rotations, Gianna was able to propsect many specialties but developed a passion for surgery, specifically orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery.
After finishing her Masters degree, Gianna then moved to Tampa, Florida to pursue a career in neurosurgery. Her passion is to help people suffering from chronic and acute conditions of the spine and treating patients with traumatic brain injuries.
Christian McBRIDE, PA-C
Christian McBride, MPAS, PA-C was born in Mobile, Alabama but grew up in Chesapeake, Virginia. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelors of Science in Biological studies with a minor in Medicine and Society. Following his undergraduate studies, he returned home for a little over a year to gain clinic experience as a Medical Assistant and Medical scribe. He then went on to attend South University - Tampa, where he obtained his Masters degree in Physician Assistant Studies.
Christian started his career working with an Orthopedic Spine surgeon. While at this role, he was able to acquire skills in assisting surgery and providing pre and postoperative care to patients experiencing both spinal and general orthopedic disorders. He then proceeded to take on a role working at Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. While at this position, Christian was able to learn how to better manage patients experiencing both acute and chronic pain with medication and interventional procedures. During his time at his PM&R role, he began to realize his true passion was in surgery and taking care of patients with complex spinal conditions.
Cindy Kirkland, aprn-BC
Cindy Kirkland, MSN, APRN-BC, is a highly skilled and compassionate Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in neurosurgery, chronic pain management, and internal medicine. Her expertise includes conducting thorough assessments, interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing individualized treatment plans to improve her patients' quality of life. Cindy has worked in neurosurgery for 12 years of her career and has worked closely with neurosurgeons to care for patients with complex brain and spinal conditions. Cindy’s diverse experience also includes managing gastrointestinal and liver conditions, as well as cardiac care, in prior roles.
Cindy earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Florida and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University. She is certified as an Adult Nurse Practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and holds advanced certifications in Botox and dermal filler procedures. Cindy is known for her collaborative approach, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to patient care.
In addition to her clinical work, Cindy is actively involved in her community through volunteer efforts, including serving as a camp nurse for children impacted by cancer, supporting local animal shelters, and participating in national initiatives like Wreaths Across America.